Electric fire apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial electric fireplaces lack a realistic simulated flame effect, as they typically only illuminate the back of the logs or coals, failing to replicate the natural, randomized illumination of real fires.
Innovation Solution
An electric fire apparatus with a light-transmissible ember bed base, a projection screen, a rotating spindle, and a mirror assembly that directs scattered light to create the illusion of depth, including a holographic projection screen and multiple reflective surfaces to simulate flames in front of, within, and behind the fuel bed, enhancing the realism of the flame effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is directed only at the back of logs or coals using simple illumination, then the device structure remains simple, but the simulated flame effect lacks realism and depth
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional zones: a reflection chamber below the ember bed base, a projection screen positioned in front of the ember bed, and multiple light sources (first and second light sources) positioned at different locations. Each segment serves a specific function in creating different aspects of the flame effect (front flames, back flames, ember glow), allowing complex visual effects to be achieved through coordinated simple components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds spatial depth by positioning the reflection chamber below the ember bed base and using a projection screen in front of it. This creates a multi-layered optical path where light travels from the reflection chamber upward through the ember bed base to the projection screen, then reflects to show flames both in front of and behind the fuel bed, giving the illusion of three-dimensional depth
2Illumination intensity
If a projection screen is added to create depth illusion, then flame realism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a reflective surface to bounce light back to create the illusion of flames behind the fuel bed, it serves as a viewing surface for the flame effect, and it helps define the optical path between the reflection chamber and the front viewing area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and reflective surfaces are used to simulate flames in front of, within, and behind the fuel bed, then flame effect realism is significantly improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses optical copying to create the illusion of flames in different positions. Light from the first light source is reflected by the projection screen to create a copy of the flame effect that appears behind the fuel bed. The second light source creates another copy that appears in front of the fuel bed. This copying approach allows multiple flame images to be generated from simple light sources and reflective surfaces rather than requiring complex mechanical flame generation systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing flame appearance, mimicking the depth and randomness of natural flames, while maintaining airflow for safety and efficiency, and can be supplemented with satellite heaters for increased thermal output without compromising the appearance of a single fireplace.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged to direct light towards the rotating spindle; and a mirror assembly which defines a reflection chamber adjacent to the rotating spindle, the mirror assembly having at least a forward-facing reflective surface for directing light scattered from the rotating spindle
Implementation Method 2
a mirror assembly which defines a reflection chamber adjacent to the rotating spindle, the mirror assembly having at least a forward-facing reflective surface for directing light scattered from the rotating spindle through the ember bed base onto the projection screen
Implementation Method 3
the projection screen may comprise a light-transmissible pane having a holographic layer thereon which is illuminable by the light scattered through the ember bed base
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An electric fire apparatus (110) having an improved simulated flame effect comprising: an outer casing (112) having an at least in part light-transmissible ember bed base (116) therein; a projection screen (124) positioned in front of the ember bed base (116); a rotating spindle (136) positioned below the ember bed base (116); a light source (138) arranged to direct light towards the rotating spindle (136); and a mirror assembly which defines a reflection chamber adjacent to the rotating spindle (136), the mirror assembly having at least a forward-facing reflective surface (134) for directing light scattered from the rotating spindle (136) through the ember bed base (116) onto the projection screen (124).An electric heating system is also provided.